As the countdown to Christmas begins, here’s a guide to some of the shows opening in December.
1. The Lost Boy Peter Pan, Pleasance Theatre: this is a brand new adaptation of J.M Barrie’s classic story and features live music played by a cast of actor/ musicians. It has been adapted and directed for the stage by Alexandra Spencer-Jones. (29th November-7th January)
2. Dear Brutus, Southwark Playhouse: another magical J.M Barrie adaptation is coming to the Southwark Playhouse from the 29th November, officially opening 4th December. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and marking the play’s centenary, Dear Brutus is a drama of self-revelation.
1917. In a remote English village there are rumours of an enchanted wood. One of the inhabitants – a mysterious old man – invites eight strangers to stay. They all have something in common. When, one evening, the wood miraculously appears the guests feel compelled to enter. What happens there has the power to change their lives forever…
3. The Woman in White, Charing Cross Theatre: this is the first London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical and is directed by Charing Cross Theatre’s Artistic Director Thom Sutherland. The musical is adapted from Wilkie Collins’ haunting Victorian thriller and features a revised score – the first time audiences will hear the updated score.
Walter Hartright’s life is changed forever after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman, dressed in white, desperate to reveal her chilling secret. When he takes up his position as drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie and her half sister, Marian, he sees in Laura’s face an eerie reflection of the forlorn creature he met previously. Walter and Laura’s feelings for each other are thwarted by her engagement to the sinister Sir Percival Glyde. What is the connection between, Laura, Sir Percival, and the woman in white? Can true love prevail?
The production is in previews now and officially opens on the 4th December.
4. The Box of Delights, Wilton’s Music Hall: starring Matthew Kelly, Wilton’s Music Hall’s festive show is filled with magic and adventure. It is the world stage premiere of Poet Laureate John Masefield’s much-loved classic, which officially opens the 7th December.
6. The Rat Pack Live from Vegas, Theatre Royal Haymarket: the Rat Pack are back in town this festive season to help beat the winter blues by performing classic songs such as The Lady is a Tramp, Mr Bojangles, That’s Amore, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, What Kind of fool Am I, Volare and seasonal classics including: Baby it’s Cold Outside, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland & Auld Lang Syne.
The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas will play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from the 13th December until the 3rd February. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk and Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk .
7. Grimly Handsome, Royal Court Theatre: this new darkly comic thriller from Julia Jarcho explores the margins of a city and the violent fantasies they inspire. The production will play at the theatre from the 6th December.
In an unnamed American city, two strangers sell Christmas trees on the sidewalk; two cops work to solve a killing spree; and a young woman finds herself transforming in ways she could never have imagined.